X-ray apparatus



Oct. 9, 1934 E. s. HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July26, 1929 s. HUMPHREYS I 1,976,073

X-RAY APPARATUS Filed July 26, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 9, 1934. E. s.HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS Filed July 26, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 NNN Oct.9, 1934.

E. s. HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS Filed July 26, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 flyZ Patented Oct. 9, 1934 STTES PATENT OFFEE mesne assignments, toSelected Products Corporation, Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation ofWisconsin Application July 26, 1929, Serial No. 381,260

claims.

lhis invention relates to X-ray apparatus and more particularly toelectrical transmission devices therefor, although certain featuresthereof may be employed with equal advantage for other 5 purposes.

t contemplates more especially the provision of improved means forconveying electrical energy to a device in all adjusted or movablepositions thereof without the production of the usual corona or 19unusual wear on the electrical system.

In X-ray devices it is necessary to transmit electrical energy to thetube which furnishes the penetrating rays enabling visual diagnosticwork upon a patient. To this end, it has been found 1 desirable toprovide novel means for fully avoiding any corona which not only isdetrimental to the electrical system, but also interferes with thefluoroscopic and radiographic work owing to the destructive light raysemanating therefrom.

This is especially true in full vision X-ray tables of the typeconstituting the subject matter of my patent numbered 1,727,883 issuedSeptember 10, 1929, wherein the tube sustaining carriage is movablesubstantially over the entire length of the table. As a result, thewires connecting the electrical source to the X-ray tube, must be woundon reels which turn for a substantial extent responsive to the movementof the tube sustaining carriage, thereby producing unusual wear and an 1undesirable corona.

Then too, such apparatus usually is provided with electrical energythrough masts extending vertically from and being permanently fixed to abase adjacent one end of the table. These masts,

in turn, receive their power from an overhead supply system. Thisconstruction prevents access to various parts of the table and subjectsthe operator and the patient to the possibility of high voltage shocks.The present invention substantially eliminates these possibilitiesinasmuch as the high tension masts are hinged to an overhead system andare pivotally connected to the underneath side of the table whereby noportion thereof is near the floor or in any manner connected therewith.With the pivoting of the table to a substantially vertical position, themasts move upwardly therewith to provide total freedom to the operatorin his movement about the apparatus.

One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of thetype mentioned with an improved electrical system.

Another object is to provide an apparatus of the character describedwhich has an X-ray tube and fluorescent screen operable over the entirelength of the table top without developing a corona in the electricaltransmitting system.

A further object is to provide an X-ray table with an improvedelectrical arrangement affording maximum accessibility and freedom forthe operator.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide improvedmeans for supplying electrical energy to an X-ray apparatus, effectingto minimize the possibilities of high tension shock to both the operatorand patient.

Still a further object is to provide a new and novel electrical X-raysystem which enables maximum movement of the tube over an extended pathwithout developing the usual corona or creating unusual wear on thesystem.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following descriptionof an illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings:--

Figure 1 is a front elevational perspective view of a device embodyingfeatures of the present invention; the table top being shown in itsvertical position.

Figure 2 is a side view in elevation of the device shown in Figure 1,the table top being shown in its horizontal position.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side view of the driving means for the tabletop in effecting the pivotal movement thereof between vertical andTrendelenberg position.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a sliding electrical contact takensubstantially along line IVIV of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a conventional diagram of the electrical system employed inconnection with the present invention.

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along line VI--VI ofFigure 2.

Figure 7 is a side View in elevation of the overhead electrical systemfor connecting the power source to the X-ray tube and otherinstrumentalities.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary front view of the device shown in Figure 7.

The structure selected for illustration comprises a base 10 having apair of uprights 11 secured thereto for vertical spaced extensiontherefrom to sustain shafts 13 in horizontal alignment proximate to theupper ends thereof. Shafts 13 are journalled in the bearing 12 to extendtransversely therethrough for secural to sectors 14 axially thereof toserve as pivotal mounts therefor inwardly adjacent the uprights 11. Theperiphery of the sectors 14 are preferably concentric to the pivots 13with their radii of such length as to provide a slight clearance fromthe surface of the base 10. The sectors 14 are joined together by crossbars 15 and 16 extending therebetween to rigidify the structure andbetter support a table top in a manner to be described more particularlyhereinafter. A pair of rigid rods 17 and 18 extend from the forward edgeof each sector 14 in converging relation for secural to spaced castings19, thereby effecting the support thereof in extended position withreference to the uprights 11. A cross support 20 bridges the castings 19to maintain them in the desired spaced relation conforming to and inalignment with the sectors 14 which constitute a rigid frame work tosustain a substantially rectangular table top 21 adapted to support theentire body of a patient.

The table top 21 is sustained in a substantially rectangular frame 22preferably of metallic construction so that the corners thereof may besecured to brackets 23 having depending extensions 24. The forwardbracket extensions 24 are secured to the castings 19 while the rearbracket extensions 24 are in rigid association to the extreme ends ofthe sectors 14, thereby maintaining the table for support at the endsthereof in spaced relation with the uprights 11. With this arrangementthe table top 21 is supported at its two outer ends only in that thecastings 19 and sectors 14 serve to space it a substantial distanceabove the upper ends of the uprights 11. A substantially rectangularcasing 26 capable of carrying a buckey diaphragm, a control mechanismfor automatically timing the exposure of the firm to the X-rays andother instrumentalities of standard or approved construction generallyemployed in connection with such devices, is slidably supported beneaththe table top 21. To this I end, the casing 26 is provided with aplurality of rollers 27 which are journalled in brackets 27 fixed to theside walls of the casing 26, these be ing in spaced relation torotatively embrace the opposite sides of guide bars 28 which aredisposed lengthwise of the table top 21 between the corner brackets 23for support in parallel spaced relation therewith. As a consequence, thecasing 26 is mounted for unobstructed movement over the entire length ofthe table top 21. End rollers 28' laterally guide the casing 26 withrespect to the rails 28.

A counterweight 30 is provided with horizontally spaced rollers 31 onthe top and bottom sides thereof to slidably engage guides 32 and 33spaced in parallelism with the guide bar 28 between the end castings 19and sectors 14, thereby enabling the traverse thereof in a path parallelto the casing 26. Rollers 34 are journalled in brackets secured to theends the weight 30 to r: abut against the confronting edges of the guiderails 32 and 33 which effect the slidable support thereof. Thecounterweight 30 is operatively connected to the casing 26 by a suitableflexible cord 35 having one end thereof secured to the casing 26, theother end thereof being anchored to the counterweight 30 for extensionaround pulleys 36 journalled in suitable brackets secured to the forwardand rearward ends of the table top 21 in any suitable maner. This cordor wire 35 is also secured to the other side of the counterweight 30 andextends around pulleys 36 mounted on each end of the table top 21 forsupport by its framework. Thus the counterweight.

30 affords a balanced construction whereby the casing 26 may be easilyadjusted with very slight effort, it also serving to hold the casing 26in its adjusted and substantially fixed position. It is desirable thatthe table top 21 be bowed upwardly from the edges thereof toward thelongitudinal median zone in order that the weight of the patientsustained thereon will be effective only to the extent of rendering itsubstantially fiat and truly in a horizontal plane. The table top 21 isbowed by means of rods 38 extending between and secured to the cornerbracket 23 which sustain the frame 22 of the table top 21 by brackets 39and 40 which depend from the frame 22, these preferably being providedwith a turn buckle of standard or approved construction to enable thetruss rods 38 to be tightened, thereby raising the central portion ofthe table top 21 slightly above the plane of the ends 23 thereof.

A suitable combination head and shoulder rest 41 serving either as aseat or foot platform, is securely clamped on and is adjustablelengthwise of the table top 21 as well as at different inclined anglesrelative thereto. This rest is of such construction to enable thecentral section thereof to be removable, thereby serving as a shoulderrest when the table is moved to the Trendelenberg position, it havingprovisions for adjusting the head rest to convenient angles. By so doingthe paient can be maintained rigid with respect to the table top 21 forsupport in any of its adjusted positions to enable a completeexamination of every portion of the anatomy without moving or otherwiseinterfering with the normal and original position assumed by theinternal organs subject to visual examination.

In order to enable diagnostic work over the entire range of the tabletop 21, a carriage 42 is mounted for unobstructed movement substantiallyover the entire length of the table top 21 attached to the pivotalshafts 13, it preferably comprishig a frame work formed of brackets 43,in this instance four, interconnected by rods 44 suitably securedtherebetween in any suitable manner to constitute a rigid structure.Each of the corner brackets 43 carry confronting rollers 45 which areadapted to receive a flanged rail 46 therebetween to enable theconveyance and traverse of the carriage 42 over the entire length of thetable top 21. To this end, the rails 46 are disposed in parallelism tothe table 21 between the end castings 19 and rearward cross supportsthereof to slidably sustain the carriage 42 for unobstructed movementover the entire length thereof past the pivotal shafts 13. The carriage42 is counterbalanced in much the same manner as the casing 26, since acounterweight 30 is mounted for slidable movement on the opposite sidein parallel relation with the counterweight 30, it being provided withside and end rollers 31' and 34 to cooperate with the guide bars 32 and33 disposed oppositely of the guide bars heretofore mentioned inconnection with the counterweight 30. A cord or wire 35 is suitablyfastened at one end thereof to the counterweight 30' for extensionaround pulleys 36 journalled in suitable brackets fixed to the forwardand rearward ends of the table top structure. This cord or wire 35 isalso secured to the other side of the counterweight 30' and extendsaround the pulleys 36' mounted at each end of the table top framework inlongitudinal alignment, thereby functioning in all respects in a mannersimilar to the counterweight 30 described in connection with the casing26.

A secondary carriage is mounted on the main carriage 42, it comprisingtransverse rods 47 disposed in parallel spaced relation and end crossbars 48 rigidly fixed thereto to constitute a framework beneath thetable top 21 and above the table pivotal shafts 13. The transverse rods47 are slidably carried and held in position on the carriage 42 by meansof inclined. confronting pairs of rollers 49, one pair of rollers 49being mounted on each of the castings 43 to guide the transversemovement thereof. It is to be noted that the rods 47 extend beyond theconfines of the table top 21 and uprights 11, but irrespective thereofit is capable of traverse for unobstructed movement over substantiallythe entire length of the table top 21. A pair of vertically extendingstandards 50 are mounted to an end cross bar 48 for connection at theirupper extremities by means of a bracket 51. A carriage 52 is disposedbetween the standards for vertical movement thereon, there beingangularly inclined rollers 53 on the side edges thereof proximate to itsupper and lower ends to confine and guide the carriage 52 between therods 50 for movement with minimum friction therealong. Extensions 54 areprovided on the upper ends of the carriage 52 to enable the pivotalengagement of a yoke 55 thereto in any suitable manner.

A fiuoroscope 5'? is pivotally connected as at 58 between the arms ofthe yoke member 55, it comprising a rectangularly shaped recessed memberhaving a pair of handles 59 secured to opposite ends thereof. A platecomprising a fluorescent screen 50 is disposed between a lead plate 61and panel 62 (preferably of phenolic condensation product) fordisposition in the recess provided in the iiuoroscope frame 5'7.Cooperating lugs 63 and 64 are provided on the yoke 55 and carriage 52in order to limit the clockwise movement thereof (viewed from Figure 5)to its horizontal operative 1 position. It is desirable that apparatusof this nature be provided with shutters for limiting the fluoroscopicfield. To this end, a shutter frame is preferably formed with two spacedplates 65 and 66, the upper plate 65 having a fixed opening 1 thereinwith downwardly converging flanges on the periphery of the opening inorder to concentrate the X-ray beams directed toward the fluoroscopicscreen 60, thereby preventing the scattering of stray X-ray beams. Thelower plate is also provided with an opening having two pairs ofcooperating shutters 67 and 53, the shutters 67 being slidably mountedon guide bars in a mannor more particularly disclosed and described inmy copending application serially numbered 237,370, filed December 3,1927, this application having eventuated into Patent numbered 1,727,883dated September 10, 1929. Toe operation and remote controls 69 for theshutters 67 and 68 are therein shown and described to the extent that afurther description thereof is thought unnecessary.

The lower plate 66 carries a pair of depending members 70 preferably ofwood, for clamping an Xray tube 71 in a position substantially central-1y of the openings formed through the plates 65 and 65. The plates 65and 66 are held in fixed spaced relation by means of brackets 72 andslidably carried by the transverse rods 47. In the construction thus fardescribed, it will be apparent that when the secondary carriage 4'? isop- 'erated transversely of the table top 21, the shutters 6? and 68,X-ray tube 71 and fiuoroscope 57 are moved together because of theirassembled relation. It will be noted that the fluorescent screen 60 ispositioned centrally of the X-ray tube 71,

and the shutters 6'? and 68 may be adjusted along the shaft or guiderods 47 in any position relative to the table top 21. Further, by meansof the main carriage 43 being movable along the guide bars 46, theseelements may be adjusted to any position throughout the length of thetable top 21. It had been heretofore mentioned that the sectors 14 arepivotally mounted on the uprights 11, and because of the hereindescribed fixed mounting of the mechanism relative thereto, the normalassembly remains unchanged during the operation of the sectors 14 torotate table top 21 to any inclinatic-n bet veen the vertical andhorizontal or Trendelenberg position.

In order to operate the table top 21 within the limits of its movement,automatic power means are provided to accomplish this end. The powermeans comprise a motor '73 secured to the base 10 in any suitable mannerso that the armature shaft thereof will he in operative drivingconnection with pinions '74 fixed to the ends of a shaft '75 disposedtransversely of the table top 21. The shaft 75 is iournalled in bearingsso as to be responsive to the motor '73 through .the medium of anysuitable reduction gearing confined within a casing 76. The pinions '74mesh with segmental gears 77 secured to each of the sectors 14. As aconsequence, the motor '73 when energized to rotate in either direction,drives a train of gears operatively connected to the pinions 4 to rotatethe sectors 14 with the table top 21 from a vertical or horizontalposition depending upon the directional rotation of the motor '73. Inorder to rigidity the table support and preclude the lateral movementthereof owing to any yield in the pivot bearings or substructure, a pairof rollers 78 are fixed to base 10 for engagement with the oppositesides of a track 79 secured to the periphery of the sectors 14. Therollers '78 are positioned betwen the cross support and remain incontacting relation with the tracks '79 during the movement of thesectors 14 to any position, thereby serving as lateral support to insureagainst the false movement of the table top 21. Moreover the tablesupport may be of lighter construction without impairing the rigidity ofthe structure by resort to this expedient.

Electrical energy is supplied to X-ray tubes '71 and 80, the latterbeing employed for radiographic work, by an overhead electrical systemwhich comprises electric conducting bars 81 pivotally connected as at 82to spaced rods 82'. The rods 82 are insulated from and fixedly carriedby an elongated rectangular casing 83 which houses the transmissionsystem. The casing 83 is supported by a pair of standards 84 attached todepend from the ceiling 35 through the medium of flanged brackets 86having any suitable fasteners projecting therethrough. A switchmechanism 87 is mounted in the casing 83 so that the rotor thereof mayextend therefrom to fixedly carry a pulley 88 having a cord 89 infrictional engagement with the periphery thereof. A pull on the cord 89in either direction effects contact with either side of the switchingmechanism 8'7, thereby closing one of two electrical circuits to whichthe tube 71 or tube are connected, respectively. As shown, the tube 80is mounted on a holder 99 for a variety or rocking movements to enableradiographic work.

A pair of hollow masts 94 are pivotally connected to the bars 81, therebeing brackets 95 secured to the ends thereof to receive a pivot 95therethrough for this purpose. Electrical conduits 96 extending throughthe masts 94 are suitably connected to the bars 81 at one end thereofand at their other ends to correspondingly spaced couplings 98 and 98detachably secured to a transverse rod 99 insulated therefrom andcarried between brackets 100 fixed to the forward end of the table frame22. As shown, the masts 94 are of arcuate configuration so that thelower ends thereof may be fixed to a cross bar 101 by means of straps102. The bar 101 is carried by levers 104 rigidly fixed thereto at theirextremities 105, the other ends thereof being pivoted to bosses 106constituting a part of the forward castings 19. This enables the bar 101to pivot with the masts 94 responsive to the tilting of the table top 21in any direction between the horizontal and vertical, thereby relievingthe attendant of any possible contact therewith and allowing completefreedom of movement about the apparatus. A thrust rod 108 is disposedtransversely of the table top 21 rearwardly thereof between the sectors14 for support by brackets 109 secured thereto by pins 110 to establisha rigid joinder therewith. A detachable coupling 111 is fixed to the rod108 in alignment with the coupling 98 disposed on the forward rod 99 tosupport an electrical conducting rod 112 therebetween. The rod 112 iselectrically connected to the conduit 96 to transmit the power sourcethereto for retaining the rod 112 energized. Another coupling 113 issecured to the rod 108 in alignment with the other coupling 98 carriedby the rod 99, these being provided with vertically disposed insulatedbosses 114 and 115 in alignment with corresponding bosses on thecoupling 98 to support electrical conducting rods 116 and 117therebetween in rigid spaced parallel relation beneath the table top 21for conveying electrical energy therealong. These lead to the conduit 96having two separately insulated wires therein and through the mast 94 to:connect the filaments of the X-ray tube '71 thereto.

The tube '71 is provided with the usual terminals 118 and 119 which areprovided with termi-' nal screws of standard construction to enable theattachment of conduits 120 and 121 thereto, re-' spectively. The conduit120 leads to a housing 122 which is electrically connected thereto forsupport by the longitudinally moveable carriage 42 through. the mediumof a bracket 122', thereby being slidable therewith for constantassociation with the tube 71 within the range of the conduit 120. A flatspring 123 having furcations 123' extending in confronting relation withthe rod 112 therebetween, is fixed to the interior of the housing 122 asat 124 for confinement therein. The furcations 123' are each providedwith rollers 125 rotatively journalled therein in any suitable manner sothat the arcuate peripheral groove 125' thereof conforming with thesurface contour of the rod 112 will contact therewith to insure aneffective electrical sliding connection in all positions of the carriage42.

The housing 122 receives a closure plate 126 thereon so that theadjacent surfaces thereof may accommodate apertures 127 and 128 tofreely receive the rod 112 therethrough, thereby floating free thereofowing to the rollers 125 which sustain the housing 122 for slidablemovement with minimum friction and negligible dust collection along therod 112. The conduit 121, however, carries insulated wires therein forconnection to slidablc contact housings 129 and 130 which areconstructed similarly to the housing 122, for slidable engagement withthe rods 117 and 116, re-

, spectively, thereby transmitting power to the tube 71 in all positionsthereof along the entire extent of the table top 21. This isaccomplished without resort to reeled wires which produce objectionalcoronas responsible for the development of nitrous acid in the X-rayroom and otherwise interferes with the satisfactory use of X-rayequipment of this character. Moreover, reeled wires soon fray to theextent that replacement is found necessary at frequent intervals.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the present inventionherein specifically described without departing from or sacrificing anyadvantages thereof as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an X-ray device, the combination with an elongated frame having atable top for supporting an extended human body, of a carriage mountedbeneath said table top for unobstructed movement in a predetermined pathalong said frame for a distance suflicient to traverse the entire lengthof the extended body supported thereon, X-ray instrumentalitiesincluding an X-ray tube mounted on said carriage for movement therewithbetween the limits of a body extended over said table top frame, aplurality of power conducting means of fixed and non-varying length forconducting electrical energy to the anode and cathode of said X-raytube, said power conducting means being supported beneath the table topwithin the protected confines of said frame in parallelism to the pathof movement of said carriage, and contacts between said conducting meansand said X-ray tube to effect X-ray generation along the entire lengthof carriage travel.

2. In an X-ray device, the combination with an elongated frame having atable top for sup porting an extended body, of a carriage mountedbeneath said table top for unobstructed movement in a predetermined pathalong said frame for a distance sufficient to traverse the entire lengthof the extended body supported thereon, X-ray instrumentalitiesincluding an X-ray tube mounted on said carriage for movement therewithbetween the limits of a body extended over said table top frame, aplurality of rigid power conducting means of fixed and non-varyinglength for conducting electrical energy to the anode and cathode of saidX-ray tube, said power conducting means being supported beneath thetable top within the protected confines of said frame in parallelism tothe path of movement of said carriage, and sliding contacts between saidrigid conducting means and said X-ray tube to effect X-ray generationalong the entire length of carriage travel.

3. In an X-ray device, the combination with an elongated frame having atable top for supporting an extended human body, of a carriage mountedbeneath said table top for unobstructed movement in a predetermined pathalong said frame for a distance sufiicient to traverse the entire lengthof the extended body supported thereon, an X-ray tube mounted on saidcarriage for movement therewith between the limits of a body extendedover said table top frame, a plurality of rigid power conducting rods offixed and non-varying length for conducting electrical energy to theanode and cathode of said X-ray tube, said power conducting rods beingsupported beheath the table top Within the protected confines of saidframe in parallelism to the path of move ment of said carriage, andsliding contacts between said rigid conducting rods and said X-ray tubeto effect X-ray generation along the entire length of carriage travel.

4. In an X-ray device, the combination withan elongated frame having atable top for supporting an extended human body, of a carriage mountedbeneath said table top for unobstructed movement in a predetermined pathalong said frame for a distance sufilcient to traverse the entire lengthof the extended body supported thereon, an X-ray tube mounted on saidcarriage for movement therewith between the limits of a body extendedover said table top frame, a plurality of rigid power conducting rods offixed and non-varying length for conducting electrical energy to theanode and cathode of said X-ray tube, said rigid power conducting rodsbeing supported beneath the table top within the protected confines ofsaid frame in parallelism to the path of movement of said carriage, andsliding contacts comprising yieldable clips between said rigidconducting rods and said X-ray tube to ef-' fect X-ray generation alongthe entire length of carriage travel.

5. In an X-ray device, the combination with an elongated frame having atable top for supporting an extended human body, of means supportingsaid frame for swinging movement along,

a predetermined path to dispose said table top between the horizontaland vertical positions, a carriage mounted beneath said table top forunobstructed movement in a predetermined path along said frame for adistance suficient to trav erse the entire length of an extended bodysupported thereon, an X-ray tube mounted on said carriage for movementtherewith between the limits of a body extended over said table topframe, a plurality of rigid power conducting rods of fixed andnon-varying length for conducting electrical energy to the anode andcathode of said X-ray tube, said power conducting rods being supportedbeneath the table top within the protected confines of said frame inparallelism to the path of movement of said carriage, and slidingcontacts comprising yieldable clips between said rigid conducting rodsand all the terminals of said X-ray tube to effect X-ray generationalong the entire length of carriage travel.

6. An X-ray device comprising a base, an elongated frame including atable top for supporting an extended human body, means interposedbetween said base and table top frame for movably supporting said tabletop between the horizontal and vertical positions, means for tiltingsaid table top between the horizontal and vertical planes, an X-ray tubemounted for movement along said table top between the limits of theextended body supported thereon, rods fixed beneath said table top toextend lengthwise thereof within the protected confines thereof toconduct electrical energy to the anode and cathode of said X-ray tube,high tension conduits enclosing insulated wires connected at one end toan overhead electrical system, said conduits being connected at theother end thereof to said table top frame for flexing relative theretoso that the swinging movement of said table top frame toward asubstantially vertical position effects the displacement of saidconduits upwardly to afford an attendant free movement about said baseand around said frame, electrical connections between said conduitenclosed wires and rods, and contact means be tween said rods and theterminals of said X-ray tube to maintain electrical tube connection inall adjusted positions thereof along said table -top frame within thelimits of said rods.

7. An X-ray device comprising a base, an elongated frame including atable top for supporting an extended human body, means interposedbetween said base and table top frame for movably supporting said tabletop between the hori zontal and vertical positions, means for tiltingsaid table top between the horizontal and vertical planes, an X-ray tubemounted for movement along said table top between the limits of theextended body supported thereon, rods fixed beneath said table top toextend lengthwise thereof within the protected confines thereof toconduct electrical energy to the anode and cathode of said X-ray tube,high tension conduits enclosing insulated wires connected at one end toan overhead electrical system, said conduits being connected at theother end thereof to said table top frame for flexing relative theretoso that the swinging movement of said table top frame toward asubstantially vertical position eifects the displacement of saidconduits upwardly to afford an attendant free movement about said baseand frame, electrical connections between said conduit enclosed wiresand rods, and contact means between said rods and the terminals of saidX- ray tube to maintain electrical tube connection in all adjustedpositions thereof along said table top.

8. Ina device of the character described, the combination with atiltable table, of a suspended power transmission system, X-rayinstrumentalities including an X-ray tube movably associated with saidtable, electrical conducting rods carried by said table to conductelectrical energy to the anode and cathode of said X-ray tube, conduitsextending between said suspended power transmission system and saidtable, said conduits confining insulated wires in circuit with said rodsfor electrical connection to said power transmission system, and meansin electrical sliding contact with said rods for substantially thelength of said table to connect the anode and cathode terminals of saidX-ray tube to said power transmission system.

9. In a device of the character described, the combination with atiltable table, of a power transmission system, X-ray instrumentalitiesmounted for unobstructed movement along said table, insulated conduitsmovably connected between said table and transmission system, insulatedwires carried by said conduits for establishing an electrical connectionwith said transmission system, and means for establishing electricalconnection between said insulated wires and X-ray instrumentalities inall adjusted positions thereof along said table.

10. In a device of the character described, the combination with atiltable table, of a suspended power transmission system, X-rayinstrumentalities including a tube carried by said table for movementtherealong, electrical conducting rods carried beneath said table forconducting electrical energy to the anode and cathode of said X-raytube, insulated electrical leads extending from said rods for connectionto said power transmission system, and means in electrical slidingcontact with said rods for substantially the length of said table toconnect the anode and cathode terminals of said X-ray tube thereto.

11. The combination with an electrical transmission system suspendedfrom an elevated position, of a frame disposed below said transmissionsystem, ray regenerating means movably carried by said frame, tubularmembers movably connected between said transmission system and saidframe, insulated wires confined in said tubular members, rigid electricconducting rods extending for substantially the entire length of saidframe for connection with said insulated wires to conduct electricalenergy to the anode and cathode of said ray generating means, and meansassociated with said ray generating means for establishing a slidableelectrical connection between said ray generating means and rods.

12. The combination with an electrical transmission system suspendedfrom an elevated position, of a tiltable frame disposed below saidtransmission system, ray regenerating means movably carried by saidframe, insulated conduits movably connected between said transmissionsystem and said frame, electrical leads carried in said conduits, rodsextending lengthwise beneath said frame in electrical connection withsaid electrical leads to conduct electrical energy to the anode andcathode of said ray generating means, and means associated with said raygenerating means for establishing a slidable electrical connectionbetween said ray generating means and said rods.

13. In a deviceof the character described, the combination with atiltable table of a suspended power transmission system, X-rayinstrumentalities including an X-ray tube slidably associated with saidtable for movement therealong, formretaining tubular means movablyconnected between said table and transmission system, insulated wiresconfined in said form-retaining tubular means for electrical connectionto said suspended transmission system in all positions of said table,and means for establishing electrical r connection between saidinsulated wires and X- ray tube to conduct electrical energy to theanode and cathode terminals of said tube in all slidable positionsthereof.

14. In an X-ray device, the combination with an elongated frame havingan exterior surface for application of an extended human body adjacentthereto, of a carriage mounted on said frame for unobstructed movementin a predetermined path along said surface for a. distance sufficient totraverse the entire length of an extended body disposed adjacentthereto, X-ray instrumentalities including a tube associated with saidcarriage for movement therewith between the limits of an extended bodydisposed adjacent said flat surface, a plurality of power conductingmeans of fixed and non-varying length for conducting electrical energyto the anode and cathode of said tube, said power conducting means beingsupported parallel to and behind said exterior surface within theprotected confines of said frame in parallelism to the path of movementof said carriage, and contacts between said power conducting means andterminals of said .X-ray tube to enable Xray generation along the entirelength of carriage travel.

15. In an X-ray device, the combination with an elongated frame havingan exterior fiat surface for application of an extended human bodyadjacent thereto, of a carriage mounted on said frame for unobstructedmovement in a predetermined path along said surface for a distancesufficient to traverse the entire length of the extended body adjacentthereto, X-ray instrumentalities including a tube associated with saidcarriage for movement therewith between the limits of an extended bodydisposed adjacent said flat surface, a plurality of power conductingrods of fixed and non-varying length for conducting electrical energy tothe anode and cathode of said tube, said power conducting rods beingsupported parallel to and behind said flat surface within the protectedconfines of said frame in parallelism to the path of movement of saidcarriage, and contacts between said power conducting rods and theterminals of said X-ray tube to enable X-ray generation along the entirelength of carriage travel.

EDWIN S. HUMPHREYS.

